How to improve your communication skills

Communication is an essential skill we must build early on as individuals. It helps us get our point across quickly and even aids in resolving issues and conflicts.

In the business world, good communication is even more important – it can often make or break business deals, lead a company towards better growth and prosperity, or do the exact opposite if the individuals within that company do not have adequate communication skills.

Luckily, it is a ‘teachable’ skill and can be learned relatively quickly!

When people sign up for our offices and workspace memberships, for instance, communication is one of the first things we rely on to provide them with what they need – based on how well they articulate themselves, we provide exactly what they need – so good communication skills hold the key to many things, particularly when it comes to a business or corporate environment.

How can one build better communication skills?

Before we delve into the subject further, it’s worth sharing a few noteworthy facts:

Workplace communication statistics show that 86% of employees and executives cite the lack of effective collaboration and communication as the main causes for workplace failures. On the other hand, teams who communicate effectively may increase their productivity by as much as 25%.

Effectively connecting with your fellow workmates improves engagement; according to Gallup’s “State of the Global Workplace: 2022 Report”, disengaged employees cost the world an unbelievable $7.8 trillion in lost productivity. In contrast, recent research shows that engaged employees are 17% more productive than their peers.

Studies also show that employees who are engaged are 87% less likely to leave their organisation. Luckily, consistent and transparent communication helps improve employee engagement.

Effective communication also increases employee retention by 4.5 times, compared to businesses that are somewhat lacking in that area within the workplace. Moreover, according to the Achievers’ report, 52% of employees say they stay in a job because they feel valued and supported.

Here’s how to polish up your communication skills:

Always listen first!

Unless the person opposite you knows that he/she is being heard before being responded to, effective communication cannot take place. Always take the time to listen attentively, then respond.

Use appropriate body language

This applies to not just face-to-face communication but also virtual meetings. Never cross your arms or put your hands in your pocket, for instance; gesture with your hands only when needed; and maintain eye contact throughout. It is okay to blink though!

Be brief, specific and to the point

If you can get the message across in one simple spoken sentence, then do so and avoid building up to the actual message. Always be direct and try not to ramble or give away unnecessary information.

Think carefully before you utter your words

It’s usually best not to say the first thing that pops up in your mind. Pause briefly before speaking to quickly review what you’re about to say, then say it politely and in a neutral tone.

Stay positive and smile

Whether you are speaking to someone in person, via video conference or over the phone, get in the habit of smiling as you talk. It projects a positive attitude and makes the listener more likely to pay attention.

A really great way to improve your employees’ communication, or even your own for that matter, is to find the right private office and coworking space. We have multiple options across Farringdon, Birmingham, Belfast and Southampton. Check us out now to explore all the exciting locations. Sometimes, the right office space can dramatically boost the communication and feelgood factor within your teams.

 

 

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